WARNING TO FLAG-OWNERS.

Kumara Times, Issue 515, 22 May 1878, Page 2

WARNING TO FLAG-OWNERS.

People generally are not aware of the risk they nm iu Hying flags over thenpremises, the significance of which they are not aware of, but Messrs Grant and Morton, auctioneers, of Auckland, have had a reminder which they are not likely to forget, in a hurry, and perhaps the recital of the circumstances may be a warning to others. The firm had become possessed i»f a white ensign, which they habitually flew prior to a sale taking place at their mart in Queen street, and in accordance with their custom the fl ig was hoisted as usual. Shortly after the .sale Mr Morton was visited in the sale-room by two naval officers belonging to the H.M. s. Wolverine, at present in harbour, and flying the Commodore’s pennant. One of them asked Mr Morton whether he was a member of the linn, ami upon getting an answer in the affirmative, the officer astounded him by asking whether he was aware that he hud rendered himself liaMe to a penalty of £SOO. Mr Morton, ns soon as he could recover breath, answered that he certainly was not aware ol the fact; that so tar as he knew, he had broken no law, and could not understand how he should be liable to such a penalty. The officers then pointed out to him the white ensign floating over the firm’s building, and said that if it was not lowered, a file of men would be sent ashore f--om the war ship to take it down. Mr Morton assured them there was no need of such extreme measures, and had the offending flag at onca taken down, explaining at the same time the purpose for which it was flying, and the ignorance of the firm as to its significance, or their offence, ft was then explained to them that the white ensign could only be flown under particular circumstances. Theonlv body privileged to fly it besides the Navy was the Royal Yacht (Jiub of England, and they had paid £SOO for the "privilege. It was, however, explained that if the flag was defaced, by putting afew stais on it, or any other marks, it could be used.